Failure-to-Thrive

Failure-to-Thrive

Definition

Failure-to-thrive is a term used to describe a child who is not growing as expected. But, it is not the same as normal growth in a child who is small for his or her age. The exact definition is not completely agreed upon.

In general, failure-to-thrive means that a child:

Is at or below the 3rd to 5th percentile for height and weight, or

Has failed to grow as expected, as shown by dropping two growth percentiles (For example, the child goes from the 75th percentile to below the 25th percentile.)

Types include:

Organic failure-to-thrive—caused by some other medical condition

Nonorganic failure-to-thrive—occurs in children with no known medical condition

Mixed failure-to-thrive—occurs when the child has features of both organic and nonorganic failure-to-thrive

Diagnosis

Failure-to-thrive is diagnosed based on tracking a child's growth. The doctor will plot a child's weight, height, and head circumference on standard growth charts. If the child falls below a certain weight range or drops two percentiles on the growth chart, the doctor will evaluate the child further.

If a medical condition may be the cause, the doctor will order further tests. Tests may include:

Treatment

Treating a Medical Condition

Providing Extra Calories

Children who are malnourished may need liquid supplements to help boost their weight and nutrition.

Parent Training

When a child is hospitalized for diagnosis, the hospital staff can also provide treatment. Nurses can teach parents appropriate feeding techniques and how to best interact with their child. If the child isn't hospitalized, parents can still have training sessions with a nutritionist or a nurse.

Counseling

Parents and children who are having difficulty with their relationship may benefit from counseling.

Prevention

To help prevent failure to thrive:

Take children to the doctor regularly to have their growth checked. This helps detect and treat failure-to-thrive before it becomes severe.

Develop a good relationship with your child's doctor.

Ask the doctor about proper parenting and nutrition for early in a baby's life.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care
provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a
substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to
starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition.